One other way your donation dollars create real, long-term change is by allowing mothers to go back to school. Mothers who get an education can get well-paying jobs to support themselves and their children. This ultimately stops the cycle of poverty and government assistance use. Many of our moms start off by working toward earning their GED which is necessary for college and most job opportunities. If they’ve already obtained a high school diploma, they’re able to start college right away to work toward a degree that will allow them to achieve self-sufficiency. Our moms have dreams like becoming an accountant, opening up their own non-profit, becoming a nurse, and more. By donating to New Beginnings, you empower our moms to work hard and make their dreams come true. THANK YOU to everyone who has donated to or supported New Beginnings in some way. You are making a true difference in the lives of the mothers and babies who come into our program. “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Luke 6:38 (NIV)  Taleya Williamson is the Operations Manager at New Beginnings. She was born and raised in Puyallup, Washington and attended Evergreen Lutheran High School. Taleya recently graduated from Wisconsin Lutheran College with a Bachelors of Science in psychology with a minor in anthropology. In her free time, Taleya enjoys spending time with her husband, David.
0 Comments
3. We have a wide range of opportunities available. Mentor. Tutor. Home Assistant. And so much more! The opportunities are endless and we have special projects all the time. And you know what? If you have a talent or interest you’d be willing to share with us that you don’t see covered in our current available opportunities, I bet we could use it! All you have to do is reach out to us and we will find a place for you!  4. Our moms are awesome! They are hard-working and hilarious and pretty fun to be around. We get to help them through some tough things and we get to celebrate their successes with them. Volunteering is always more fun when you get to spend time with great people! 5. You may get to hang out with some babies! I’ll let these pictures do the talking for this one:
7. You might learn something! Whether you’re forced to learn something in order complete a project or you learn something while helping a mom, chances are you’ll find out something you didn’t know before volunteering with us. I interned at New Beginnings prior to working here in the capacity that I do now and I deepened my knowledge in so many areas from interacting with and helping others to the day-to-day operations of a non-profit. Most importantly, I gained experience in a Christian environment and therefore strengthened my faith. As staff members, we are learning and growing in faith every day and you will too! 8. It’s great experience to add to a resume. No matter what you’re doing to help us, you’re gaining great experience that you could add to your resume! Want to practice a new skill? What better place is there to put that skill to use?
10. WE NEED YOU! Without the support of our donors and volunteers, New Beginnings could not continue to run and help moms here in Milwaukee. With the help of volunteers, we’re able to help more moms and do more to help the moms we already have here. The bottom line is that volunteers are vital to the success of our moms and our program as a whole. Your talents and time are needed here!  “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45 “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” Galatians 6:10 “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10 “Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon.” Isaiah 58:1
Would you recognize the perfect version of yourself that God sees in you because of Jesus? Sometimes I feel like I wouldn't. In fact, it can be discouraging just trying to envision myself that way. I think sometimes as Christians, we feel so completely enveloped by our sin that we forget that this sinful, imperfect, temptation-ridden version of ourselves is only temporary. We can't see the light at the end of the tunnel because our vision is clouded by our imperfect perception.
 Who do you see when you look in the mirror? Do you see the perfect, blameless child-of-God our Heavenly Father sees when He looks at you? Or do you see the messy, plagued-by-evil-desires sinner that you are without Jesus' mercy? Do you have Christian friends in your life who can assure you that you, too, have been clothed in Jesus' righteousness? Don't forget to include Him in your opinion of yourself. No sin is too big for His forgiveness. No matter how flawed our perception is, God knows who we are in His Son. Our truest identities depend on Him and what He has done rather than on ourselves and all of our shortcomings.  "For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." (Colossians 1:13-14 NIV). "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light." (1 Peter 2:9 NIV). "So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ." (Galatians 3:26-27 NIV).  Taleya Williamson is the Operations Manager at New Beginnings. She was born and raised in Puyallup, Washington and attended Evergreen Lutheran High School. Taleya recently graduated from Wisconsin Lutheran College with a Bachelors of Science in psychology with a minor in anthropology. In her free time, Taleya enjoys spending time with her husband, David.
"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" Jeremiah 29:11 Have you ever considered how different you are from the person you were 5 or 10 years ago? What people or events did God use to shape you into who you are now? Imagine how different you and your life might be in another 5 or 10 years! Another thing to consider is how a simple decision you made years ago has shaped your life and the lives of those around you. For example, while talking with a friend the other day, I made this realization: had I never chosen to date my now husband, we wouldn't have gotten married, I'd likely have moved back to Washington State, both of our lives would look entirely different separate from each other, my best friend wouldn't have moved to Wisconsin, etc. The list goes on! Of course, there's no way to know what would have happened had God led me on another path but I'm confident that my life would have been unrecognizable to me now. God had a plan for my life. He has led me to where I am now and continues to lead me according to His plan and who He wants me to be. God has a plan for the moms and babies here at New Beginnings too. He uses their experiences and what they learn in this program to help shape them into who He wants them to be. The work we do here also reaches beyond our residents into the lives of their friends and families and people they might meet in the future. Each mother who walks into our front door does so with a purpose from her Father in heaven. We at New Beginnings are so blessed to be a part of a tool He uses to fulfill that purpose! Would you like to partner with us to serve God and change lives? Please prayerfully consider donating to New Beginnings monetarily or with your time as a volunteer. You can make a long-term difference that matters!   Taleya Williamson is the Operations Manager at New Beginnings. She was born and raised in Puyallup, Washington and attended Evergreen Lutheran High School. Taleya recently graduated from Wisconsin Lutheran College with a Bachelors of Science in psychology with a minor in anthropology. In her free time, Taleya enjoys spending time with her husband, David.
 Still feeling doubtful? Take a moment to pray. God tells us over and over again in His Word that He will grant us anything we ask for in Jesus' name according to His Will. “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened." (Matthew 7:7-8) "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." Mark 11:24 "'Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.'" (John 16:23b-24)  Some people spend their whole lives searching and feeling lost. Our God doesn't want you to be one of them.  Taleya Williamson is the Operations Manager at New Beginnings. She was born and raised in Puyallup, Washington and attended Evergreen Lutheran High School. Taleya recently graduated from Wisconsin Lutheran College with a Bachelors of Science in psychology with a minor in anthropology. In her free time, Taleya enjoys spending time with her husband, David.
 1. We do the work that we do because we love our God and we love the people we serve. Every decision we make in our ministry should ultimately be out of love for our residents and with their best interest in mind. We should constantly be praying for God’s wisdom as He guides us on this mission He’s called us to. “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” James 1:5. Each mother comes in with her own strengths, weaknesses, and story. They are all children of God and we should strive to learn about them and help them in any way that we can. 2. It is important for us to take care of ourselves as well. Compassion fatigue is real. Even if you are in another line of work, the stresses of life or your job can negatively impact your ability love your neighbor the way God expects you to. Satan uses those moments to creep into our lives and fight against what God is trying to work within us. So, practice self-care. When you feel yourself getting bogged down in work or in your personal life, take a deep breath (literally) and say a prayer. It works wonders! It can also be incredibly beneficial to seek the help of a professional. If these negative feelings aren’t going away, they warrant the attention of someone who’s been trained to help others work through them.  3. While the pro-life mission as a whole is far from over, our message is gaining ground and God is working in the hearts of people around the world to further His purpose. Babies are being saved! This is one of the many reasons we do what we do. At New Beginnings, we provide mothers who have chosen life for their children with resources and a stable home. By changing the life of one mother, we change and shape the lives of generations. The work we do, with your help, will extend throughout entire family trees.
 Taleya Williamson is the Operations Manager at New Beginnings. She was born and raised in Puyallup, Washington and attended Evergreen Lutheran High School. Taleya recently graduated from Wisconsin Lutheran College with a Bachelors of Science in psychology with a minor in anthropology. In her free time, Taleya enjoys spending time with her husband, David.
My husband and I recently adopted a puppy from our local Humane Society and I couldn't have been more thrilled. She is so sweet and loves playtime and snuggles. Because she's a puppy, she also enjoys being naughty from time to time. She'll get into things she's not supposed to and she loves using our shoes as chew toys! We've been working on training her so that we can minimize these bad behaviors but training is an ongoing (and sometimes tiring) process. It requires consistency, time, and sometimes more patience than I currently possess. Sometimes it seems as though she's choosing to do things she knows she shouldn't. For example, she will grab a sock out of the dirty laundry bin and run away after making eye contact with us - frustrating!
 Lord, thank you for the grace and mercy you continue to pour out on me despite my sins. Thank you for sending your Son, Jesus, to purify me of those sins and to suffer the punishment for them so that I do not have to. Lord, I am truly sorry for my sins and pray that you continue to forgive me for the sake of your Son, Jesus. Almighty God, guide me according to your path that my life might reflect your love and mercy. In Jesus’ name, Amen  Taleya Williamson is the Operations Manager at New Beginnings. She was born and raised in Puyallup, Washington and attended Evergreen Lutheran High School. Taleya recently graduated from Wisconsin Lutheran College with a Bachelors of Science in psychology with a minor in anthropology. In her free time, Taleya enjoys spending time with her husband, David.
"'Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,' says the LORD, who has compassion on you." (Isaiah 54:10) Sometimes we feel like life is getting the best of us. We feel hopeless, overwhelmed, and overworked. Our thoughts become jumbled and frantic as we struggle to keep up with all of our responsibilities and others' expectations. It's always one thing after another and we feel as though we are being pulled in every direction. Rather than focusing on being thankful for the good in our lives, we find ourselves feeling beaten down and defeated by all of the bad. We may begin to question the path we've chosen or lash out in anger and frustration at those for whom we care most.
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7) Next time you are feeling helpless, seek comfort in God's Word. Go to your Heavenly Father in prayer and ask for His guidance. Only He can grant us true peace from the anxieties of this world. "Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7)  "The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace." (Psalm 29:11)  Taleya Williamson is the Operations Manager at New Beginnings. She was born and raised in Puyallup, Washington and attended Evergreen Lutheran High School. Taleya recently graduated from Wisconsin Lutheran College with a Bachelors of Science in psychology with a minor in anthropology. In her free time, Taleya enjoys spending time with her husband, David.
As I write this, I am sitting on a plane to travel home for the holidays. I had an interesting experience prior to boarding this flight that made me consider the type of Christmas spirit we should have as Christians approaching December 25th.
 “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” (Luke 2:8-11).  Taleya Williamson is the Operations Manager at New Beginnings. She was born and raised in Puyallup, Washington and attended Evergreen Lutheran High School. Taleya recently graduated from Wisconsin Lutheran College with a Bachelors of Science in psychology with a minor in anthropology. In her free time, Taleya enjoys spending time with her husband, David.
 Do you have a heart of service? I think that at times, we are all guilty of passiveness or even avoidance of helping those around us. We may have one excuse or another: we’re busy, we don’t have time, etc. Maybe we tell ourselves that someone else will do the job or that someone else may be better suited to get the work done. Maybe we sometimes don’t even consider participating in a service opportunity because the thought simply doesn’t cross our minds. However, we’re told in Scripture that God wants us to have a very different approach to serving our neighbors. “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” (1 Peter 4:10). God wants us to go out of our way to serve those around us even when we may not want to or when it isn’t the most convenient for us. The Bible makes it clear that serving our neighbor should be a priority. As Christians, we know that God’s expectations for us are perfect. Imagine what this world would look like if everyone put aside their selfish desires and instead focused on leading lives of service. What a harmonious and peaceful world that would be! The life of Christ is the ultimate example of a life of service. The entire purpose of Jesus’ time here on earth was to serve humankind. He took on human flesh and lived a perfect life through the struggles of this world all so that He could gift us with His perfect image. He knowingly and willingly suffered, died, and defeated hell all so that we might gain entrance to eternity in heaven. And in His glory, our Savior ascended into heaven to prepare a place for us there. Consider how blessed we are by Jesus’ dedication to serving His people! You, too, have the power to bless those around you with the unique gifts you have been given by the Holy Spirit and there certainly are people who could benefit from those gifts. New Beginnings has openings for a wide range of volunteer opportunities, from filling staff hours to working one-on-one with our moms to acting as a liaison for our ministry at your church. Do you have the time and the talents to do any of these jobs? If not, there are tons of opportunities out there within our local churches and our community as a whole. Be proactive! We all have a responsibility to serve our neighbor in any way that we can. May God grant us all the hearts of service necessary to fulfill this responsibility. Here we have a list of volunteer opportunities we have at New Beginnings: “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Galations 5:13-14). “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” (Galations 6:10).  Taleya Williamson is the Operations Manager at New Beginnings. She was born and raised in Puyallup, Washington and attended Evergreen Lutheran High School. Taleya recently graduated from Wisconsin Lutheran College with a Bachelors of Science in psychology with a minor in anthropology. In her free time, Taleya enjoys spending time with her husband, David.
|
Archives
October 2019
Categories
All
|
RSS Feed